Madam Secretary

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 21, 2014
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
5.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 176 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 92 out of 176
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 176
  3. Negative: 53 out of 176
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User Reviews

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  1. Zookeeper91326
    Nov 29, 2015
    0
    I had hopes for a less biased show, but as usual, the writers are following Obama's long ago request that they complement his agenda. After last week's show, highlighting Relations with Cuba, I will no longer watch this show.
  2. annakayla
    Oct 8, 2018
    0
    I used to LOVE this show but after having Hilary Clinton on last night when she should truly be in prison, and then having Sara Ramirez on who is clearly a **** I just can't watch this anymore. So sad because I really did like the other actors. Arm Candy and all. :) I love Tia Leoni but just can't watch it anymore.
  3. trinity8291
    Jan 13, 2015
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I liked this show until last week. Now I am offended, I do not think it is necessary to single out one of the our great states and make it the object of bad programming. Yes, TEXAS was portrayed as having a totally ignorant Governor and its citizens as a bunch of idiots. I can assure you that Texas is a great state with educated and knowledgeable citizens.

    I will not ever watch this show again and neither will members of my family. Not just because I say so but because we all agree that no state should be made to look stupid like Madam Secretary did.    … Expand
  4. desertseeker
    Nov 19, 2017
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Nov. 19,2017: I have enjoyed watching Madame Secretary while wishing more government officials could be like her but now that the show is becoming more liberal and promoting liberal views, I've turned it off. Tonight's show was about global warming and perma frost, etc...scientist have not come up with any definitive answers regarding global warming so why not keep the show from promoting liberal views since I bet more than half of the viewers do not accept them. Just bring the show back to the point where the Secretary shows grit and courage and integrity - and not let it slide more deeply into a liberal playbook...… Expand
  5. patfoltz
    Nov 26, 2017
    0
    Another political correct move adding a Lesbian to the cast. She is disgusting - her appearance and character! If she continues, I will find something else to watch.
  6. AmericanVet
    Apr 5, 2018
    0
    Used to enjoy "Madame Secretary" but no longer. Typical left-wing propaganda from CBS and the other fakenews networks. The most recent disgrace was the hiring of that transgender who took over the show subject last night. Just another example of CBS pushing their agenda. I won't watch anymore because I know they are just trying to advance another "cause"..........
  7. debbaja
    Oct 15, 2018
    0
    I was extremely disappointed in the 1st show of season 5. I deleted the recording and will not be watching ever again. When you can't enjoy a show without it becoming political, well....I won't be watching again. Tia Leoni was excellent and I have watched all episodes up to this one. Maybe you will decide political is not the way to gain an audience but entertainment might be better
  8. Juju2015
    Oct 20, 2014
    5
    Had high hopes. Love the actors. Scripts are limping already. Removed from DVR. Too close to political spin. Makes me uncomfortable and a little pissed, especially as it appears ready to keep leaning harder.
  9. reellm
    Dec 27, 2014
    6
    3.5/5★ Its a solid show made better by Téa Leoni's strong performance. I cant help but compare it to Aaron Sorkin's The West Wing but while it shares a similar sense of "Everything is solvable if we just talk about it" its not written as well. Madam Secretary is a good show that is quietly entertaining without the drama of Scandal or the sharpness of House of Cards. Interestingly, Madam3.5/5★ Its a solid show made better by Téa Leoni's strong performance. I cant help but compare it to Aaron Sorkin's The West Wing but while it shares a similar sense of "Everything is solvable if we just talk about it" its not written as well. Madam Secretary is a good show that is quietly entertaining without the drama of Scandal or the sharpness of House of Cards. Interestingly, Madam Secretary's creator, Barbara Hall, served as co-executive producer on Homeland and while the craziness of Homeland makes for edge of the seat entertainment sometimes its nice to watch something that isn't non-stop intensity.
    Note about conspiracies on TV- I hate them. You can't trust anyone and by the third season when the writers are digging for new angles the one person you never would have suspected is the bad guy.

    Verdict: I like it. It will be renewed.    … Expand
  10. Delaney005
    Dec 28, 2014
    6
    What gets me to continue watching a show is how the whole cast operated as a unit and not just one person, but Tea Leoni absolutely nails this part! She is so refreshing to watch and is believable in the role as a politician,mother and wife. I give it a 6 because I just don't connect with the immediate supporting cast. Nadine , Blake, Russell, Isabell and Henry are great but I just can'tWhat gets me to continue watching a show is how the whole cast operated as a unit and not just one person, but Tea Leoni absolutely nails this part! She is so refreshing to watch and is believable in the role as a politician,mother and wife. I give it a 6 because I just don't connect with the immediate supporting cast. Nadine , Blake, Russell, Isabell and Henry are great but I just can't get on board with the rest. I watched The West Wing religiously and from the pilot (before the first commercial), I was hooked because the cast just blended well together (in my opinion, there was no real "lead" part, the whole cast portrayed a leading part). If one cast member left, I would have felt the shows great dynamic would change. I feel Madam Secretary can actually survive if half the cast was not present. I will continue to watch this season because it has my attention but I am not a loyal watcher.… Expand
  11. Shannonhill
    Jan 18, 2015
    10
    Tia Leoni gets a well deserved applause for the great acting she does on this show. I find myself wanting to watch this show over all of the others I have recorded on my DVR each week. I hope the network renews this show for a few seasons.
  12. pattyvicoale
    Sep 8, 2015
    5
    Tea Leoni is fitting for the role. Very promising show and almost sure that it will be better. It is not better because the script is vague and loose. Madam Secretary's staffers seems to be cartoons from Nickolodeon. Lack of seriousness in dealing with big issues. Not plausible. My advise is to replace her staffers with new cast. I dont care for their lives situations. Boring andTea Leoni is fitting for the role. Very promising show and almost sure that it will be better. It is not better because the script is vague and loose. Madam Secretary's staffers seems to be cartoons from Nickolodeon. Lack of seriousness in dealing with big issues. Not plausible. My advise is to replace her staffers with new cast. I dont care for their lives situations. Boring and senseless. Husband cant be working for NSA! Common thats even probable when wife is at the top of the world?
    Suggestion- keep Tea at her game- Joke staff send them to Ringling Bro circus and Connect viewers with footage/scenes of world issues instead of just telling the story. A'la West Wing.    … Expand
  13. IMAvoter
    Oct 23, 2018
    4
    Love the actors, hate the recent content. Globalism is dying, Hollywood. Both parties underestimate the resolve of US voters to protect our country from media globalist sponsors. We recognize propaganda when we see it. Sorry, Hillary. You lost. Politicians will be held accountable for policies that sell out our interests and the entire Western world via WTO, UN, etc .
  14. sacratomato70
    Nov 23, 2018
    0
    I agree that Tea Leoni is highly watchable, and that the writing is good, but the show has become so biased it is scary.. Yes, this show is treacle-laced propaganda. The story lines have become so offensive that I can no longer watch it. Demonizing and lying about the people who protect us is just wrong.
  15. AD2022
    Jan 4, 2015
    5
    My husband and I WERE avid followers of this show- until the latest episode vilified Texas, portrayed conservative politicians as backwoods rabble rousers with neither sense nor manners, and rather obviously glorified the present administration. We had hoped that it would continue to be a political drama without an obvious agenda, but not anymore. A crudely written, tactless politicalMy husband and I WERE avid followers of this show- until the latest episode vilified Texas, portrayed conservative politicians as backwoods rabble rousers with neither sense nor manners, and rather obviously glorified the present administration. We had hoped that it would continue to be a political drama without an obvious agenda, but not anymore. A crudely written, tactless political manifesto that I am highly unlikely to watch again. Very disappointed- could've been a great show.… Expand
  16. WestLil0
    Sep 29, 2014
    3
    I like tea leoni but I wonder about cbs creating a show about the Secretary of State just prior to an election I would like to think that entertainment shows are just that and not trying to subtly implement a political agenda.
  17. shooter17
    Oct 12, 2014
    2
    Deleted the show from my DVR schedule tonight. Couldn't take it anymore...I really wanted to like it. First several shows were pretty good/average but the show tonight (which I lasted about 25 minutes) was awful. When the Secretary of State was laughing during a memorial service for one of her friends, that was u acceptable and no Secretary of State would do that...in fact you don't seeDeleted the show from my DVR schedule tonight. Couldn't take it anymore...I really wanted to like it. First several shows were pretty good/average but the show tonight (which I lasted about 25 minutes) was awful. When the Secretary of State was laughing during a memorial service for one of her friends, that was u acceptable and no Secretary of State would do that...in fact you don't see anyone at level in an audience in the back room giggling with her girlfriends...just ridiculous. The main plot of a Chinese asylum was just stupid and boring. Done with this show.… Expand
  18. paulusmillarus
    Oct 14, 2014
    2
    Tea Leoni is highly watchable, the writing is good. But this show is treacle-laced propaganda designed to make us all comfortable with the wonderful job the US is doing on foreign policy. The public may not know what is really being done on our behalf, but we must all rest assured that the right thing is always being done by people who are completely sincere, competent acting with theTea Leoni is highly watchable, the writing is good. But this show is treacle-laced propaganda designed to make us all comfortable with the wonderful job the US is doing on foreign policy. The public may not know what is really being done on our behalf, but we must all rest assured that the right thing is always being done by people who are completely sincere, competent acting with the nation's best interests at heart. Please. For each episode you watch I prescribe 2 of "House of Cards".… Expand
  19. Avgamerican
    Nov 2, 2014
    0
    Entertainment showed be just that - entertainment. This is a blatant attempt to remake Hillary Clinton's term and to give her a better image. She is not as pretty as tea leoni, she was not as decisive as tea leoni, she did not aggressively protect Americans and does not care about America like tea. This show is blatant in its timing for the 2016 election and repackaging Hillary. Hillary'sEntertainment showed be just that - entertainment. This is a blatant attempt to remake Hillary Clinton's term and to give her a better image. She is not as pretty as tea leoni, she was not as decisive as tea leoni, she did not aggressively protect Americans and does not care about America like tea. This show is blatant in its timing for the 2016 election and repackaging Hillary. Hillary's book was a failure, her term as Secretary of State was an American disaster and this show should follow her steps and should be canned. Tea lioni would actually be a better Hillary than Hillary.… Expand
  20. piskin
    Sep 30, 2014
    0
    Another show that gives the platform to piss on any culture that isn't American. Just the pilot has pissed on other culture and made a mockery of other nations. With such weak and an intriguing plot backed up by poor character performance this show won't last for another season.
  21. martinex
    Sep 25, 2014
    6
    Awesome cast. The show has potential but It could easily devolve into one of those flag waiving back slapping sagas of the good old USA vs the stupid violent world outside. Let's hope for something more nuanced.
  22. kjjmmc
    Sep 22, 2014
    8
    Well acted, especially by Leoni who brings a nice balance to the part. I felt the Chief of Staff as the "opposition" was a bit forced and rang a touch false and the depth of th ed storyline left room for improvement. But the basics were there, especially in the casting of her staff.
  23. KMV
    Sep 22, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I very much enjoyed the first episode of Madame Secretary - but almost solely because of Leoni's performance. Not that anyone else was bad, just pushed to obvious supporting roles at the moment. The story itself was a bit cookie cutter, though I loved the pointed commentary made about how fashion will push out content in the daily news cycle. The one part I wasn't sure about, was the whole "conspiracy" within the WH bit. It seems gimmicky to me - I'm hoping for more "West Wing" than "Scandal".

    With a cast including Bebe Neuwirth, Zeljko Ivanek, and Keith Carradine, and some promising lesser knowns, I'm hoping the writing will be up to the potential.    … Expand
  24. jeremyp
    Oct 6, 2014
    5
    What started as potentially promising has devolved into a weak, unsophisticated, and ridiculous hour of prime time pablum. The writers don't even bother to compare their world of foreign affairs with the real one, and their version of American middle class life leaves me worrying about the future of our country. Tea Leoni's strength is her sardonic delivery, but in this she just seems toWhat started as potentially promising has devolved into a weak, unsophisticated, and ridiculous hour of prime time pablum. The writers don't even bother to compare their world of foreign affairs with the real one, and their version of American middle class life leaves me worrying about the future of our country. Tea Leoni's strength is her sardonic delivery, but in this she just seems to be lost between drama and comedy. The biggest weakness, as usual, is in the shallow writing, intended to pull in the average American, but which, as usual, insults them.… Expand
  25. allan73
    Sep 29, 2014
    2
    I gave this show 2 tries and I do not understand the promotional hype CBS has given this show. The show as well as Tea Leoni are unconvincing. There is nothing compelling about the dialogs or plot. Leoni's quip "what does he mean by the ball is in your court' and its response were typical of the sophomoric and annoying banter. The show should not last the season.
  26. susierdm
    Sep 30, 2014
    10
    This show is a keeper! The cast is great -- love Tea Leoni! The dialogue is quick; does not drag along! Loved West Wing, so I hope CBS keeps this!
  27. MEAJ
    Oct 19, 2014
    0
    This "TV Show" is, sadly, so clearly political advertising in support of professional politicians over members of the public; voting public cynically judged to lacking in wisdom, contrary the any belief in the idea that majorities within the public have enough sense to understand and protect their own interest. Clever? Not very. Is it consistent with the wisdom of the Founding Fathers [whoThis "TV Show" is, sadly, so clearly political advertising in support of professional politicians over members of the public; voting public cynically judged to lacking in wisdom, contrary the any belief in the idea that majorities within the public have enough sense to understand and protect their own interest. Clever? Not very. Is it consistent with the wisdom of the Founding Fathers [who powerfully risked/lost their wealth/status/lives to empower the public over historically dictatorial government (King George & associated in their case) over the citizens of the same country]. Absolutely No ! This TV continues to promote that lawyers & professional politicians will actually sacrifice their own personal greed/laziness of their interests for best interests of ill-informed/non-reading public despite universal human nature (greedy, lazy, self-centered & attention-seeking).

    This work is the opposite of the book: "Things that Matter", a best seller on Amazon.com (for people who actually read, not just be spoon feed ideas for children by TV & movies).

    This series in an effort to turn the US back into a single party system, commonly referred to as a dictatorship, with the mass media continuing to do the selling.    … Expand
  28. walshrd
    Dec 2, 2014
    5
    There are about the same positives as negatives concerning this show. At times it appears that soap opera script writers dominate with vignettes into the personal lives of the staff of the Secretary of State and the lives of her daughters and family. Does anyone care? Or is this just the usual network filler because the writers couldnt fill the usual 41 mins with a continuously-engagingThere are about the same positives as negatives concerning this show. At times it appears that soap opera script writers dominate with vignettes into the personal lives of the staff of the Secretary of State and the lives of her daughters and family. Does anyone care? Or is this just the usual network filler because the writers couldnt fill the usual 41 mins with a continuously-engaging story line? I suspect the latter. The episodes are generally a bit over the top (when not off on a toot involving personal lives). Madam Secretary always comes to the rescue with an innovative solution just in time to avoid some stark calamity.
    Sometimes the calamity is so contrived that it is laughable. Like the episode where there is a chemical spill in India and the Texas Hot Shots are called on to put the fire out...as if India couldnt (in order to prevent harm to millions of their citizens). Was this a grade-school production of some sort? Then there is the current state of affairs having the former Secretary involved in a $40M slush fund in Venezuela. Huh? Who's the target audience for this farce? A new TV production doesnt have to boost itself over the top (like Scandal) to get good ratings. Im thinking the producers and writers arent old enough or experienced enough to know this. On the positive side, the lead is well played, and goings-on with the Secretary of State and a full spectrum of thorny foreign policy situations are new to the TV market. I suspect this newness and curiosity will fade rapidly into ho-hum if the writers and producers dont get their acts together.    … Expand
  29. derfnamdoog
    Dec 14, 2014
    0
    The rating depends on whether you are laughing or crying. I derive the biggest laughs of the week from the transparent Liberal propaganda that includes Wonder Woman and Mr. Peeper. It is so bad that it is good, as long as you don't allow it to affect your vote. You can find support for every Liberal talking point, barring none.
  30. GRONK1
    Oct 9, 2014
    0
    This show appears to be a desperate attempt to spin/rewrite the actual Libyan event for the uninformed population. I don't want electioneering disguised as a primetime show. will not watch again. EVER.
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Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Best TV Season of 2014
17
#17 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
35
#35 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. Under The Radar
    Reviewed by: Cody Ray Shafer
    Sep 24, 2014
    75
    A smart and enthralling D.C. drama that resurrects its predecessor's outlook, but still takes on a life of its own.
    Read full review
  2. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Sep 22, 2014
    63
    The premiere episode of Madam Secretary, for the time being, suggests that the show is very much the little sister [to The Good Wife].... But Madam Secretary, in which Téa Leoni plays the newly appointed secretary of state, deserves to hang around long enough to formulate and declare itself.
    Read full review
  3. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Vicki Hyman
    Sep 22, 2014
    83
    Solid but a bit staid.
    Read full review
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